Frequently Asked Pool / Spa Service & Repair Questions

You may have a pool/spa leak if . . .

• You lose 1/8" of water or more in 24 hours. Perform a Bucket Test. Evaporation rates vary per area. Call Aaron’s Elite Pool Service’s office for details.
• You find algae forming too soon after a chemical treatment.
• You find loose or falling tiles or pool deck cracks.
  (All are signs that the surrounding ground is being compromised by water.)
• You pool/spa has settled into the ground or cracks and gaps appear in the pool shell or concrete deck.
• You find standing water, mushy spots, or uneven grass growth around the pool/spa area.
• Your automatic water filler is continually releasing water.
• You experience a sudden increase in your water consumption noted on the bill.
  
  

Your pool will naturally lose some water from evaporation, bather splash-out and backwashing sand filters. You may also gain water from rainfall. Our rule of thumb is that if you're routinely adding more than two inches of water to your pool per week, you may have a leak. A leak of this magnitude is worth spending some time and money to repair.

Pools are meant to be watertight but sealants can deteriorate, while other parts of your pool shift and settle, or just plain wear out. Pools may leak through any of the fittings or accessories, plumbing, conduit, or even right through imperfections and cracks in the shell. It is important to repair leaks, not only to save water, heat (energy) and chemicals, but also to prevent undermining the pools structural components, and washing away fill dirt. Leaks often get faster when not addressed and can lead to more costly repairs. The ideal time to start a leak detection process is immediately after a water consumption change is noticed.

When you make the decision to call Aaron’s Elite Pool Service for your leak detection needs it will be helpful to know how much water your pool is losing in a 24 hour period. The best way to establish this number is by filling the pool up to normal operating height and making a line with the date in the skimmer at that level. All pumps and circulation should be off with the water calm. A new mark should be made in 24 hours under the same conditions. If there is precipitation during the test the results are void.

If you suspect a leak; look at the following things before calling for service:

• Is the pool leaking only with the equipment on? This may indicate a pressure side (return) leak. With the filter pump on, the plumbing on the pressure side is...under pressure. This can open up small drips into spraying gushers. Check the waste or backwash line for water running all the time. One inch of your pool water can equal 500 gallons.
  
  
• Is the pool leaking only with the equipment off? This usually indicates a suction side leak. With the filter pump on, the plumbing on the suction side is under vacuum; air can be drawn in through otherwise leaking voids. You may notice air in the pump basket (if you have a clear lid), air bubbling out of the return lines or air repeatedly built up inside the filter tank. Use tape or a pencil to mark water levels. Is the pump basket lid on tight with a good, lubed o-ring?
  
  
• Does the pool leak all the time? This does not rule out leaks in the plumbing, but turns a suspicious eye on the shell of the pool, looking for cracks in the plaster or tears in the vinyl. Look closely at the tile line, and look real closely inside of the skimmer(s). The most common leak we fix is a separation between the plastic skimmer and the concrete pool. This is easily fixed with some pool putty. If you see something that looks like a crack, drop some of your pH indicator test reagent near it with pump shut off and water still. See if the dye is sucked into the crack.
  
  
• Under water lights can and do leak. Especially the conduit that runs from the light niche to the junction box. Filling the opening of the conduit, in the back of the light niche with putty, silicone or caulk is a way to fix this problem.
  
  
• Are there leaks at the equipment pad? Look closely at the filter, pump, heater and valving. Check the ground for moisture. Turn the pump on and off, looking closely for spraying water when the pump is turned off.
  
  
• Does the water seem to stabilize at any particular level? You may be able to close the skimmer valve and allow the water level to drop below the skimmer. If it keeps going, we can rule out the skimmer (although there can always be more than one leak). The underwater light is a common leak source. If the water stabilizes, dye test around this level very carefully. Look for small debris which may have been sucked into the crack or void. This is a good indication of a leak.
  
  
• Are there any wet areas around the pool? Take a walk around the pool's edge, and between the pool and the equipment pad. Check for wet soil and eroded areas.
  
  
• Is your pool a vinyl liner? If so, there are special considerations. Look for sinkholes where sand under the liner may have washed away. Look for tears or separations around all fittings: skimmer, returns, cleaner line, etc. Pay close attention to steps and corners, where the liner may be stretched more than normal. If an animal had the misfortune to fall in your pool, you may notice claw marks (tears) just below the water line. Spending time under water with a mask may be required to find a small leak in the liner. When liners become old, they may have many pinhole leaks. There can always be more than one leak

Unsure of your evaporation rate? Place a bucket of water beside the pool and mark both. After 24 hours, check the loss of both. If the pool loses more, then there's a leak.

Average charge for leak detection range from $300-$450. If a leak is found underground a separate written quote will be provided. The leak detection process is complete at this point. Only after repair terms are agreed upon will a repair be made. There will be additional charges for cutting & replacing concrete and for SCUBA repair work. Many pools leak in more than one area, so monitoring is important after any repair is made.

New, old, large, small, concrete, fiberglass or vinyl liner pools are all susceptible to leaks. Leaks may be caused by ground movement and settling, animals and other acts of nature. Fortunately, Aaron’s Elite Pool Service has the materials and team to complete leak detection service and make repairs. We find and repair all leaks before further damage can occur to the pool or surrounding areas. Call for an appointment so we can fix your leak.

Aaron’s Elite specializes in Swimming Pool Leak Detection and repair utilizing the latest technologies, including electronic, sonic and hydro-phonic leak detection of your pond, concrete or vinyl liner pool. We use an electronic instrument that has been specifically designed to find leaks in your pool. We also may send down a diver for a visual and die inspection. The use of sonic  leak detection devices save the pool or spa owner money and time. This device takes the guess work out of finding the leak. Sonic Leak Detection is used in conjunction with Pressure Testing for finding leaks in your plumbing. We listen for escaping air or water from the pipes that run from the pool, under your decking, to the equipment pad.  We can find leaks in your plumbing lines faster and with increased accurately with this equipment.

The season to enjoy pools can be short if your pool is not equipped with a method of heating.  Many problems that are commonly experienced can be solved without draining the water from the pool. Downtime for your customers or your own pool maybe avoided. It is likely we can provide a solution to your problem without draining the water from the pool.

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